“I was excited to be one of the first polymechanic apprentices to see and even help build the new Business Class seats,” remembers Yarin Fuchs. For the young trainees, it was a unique opportunity to work directly on components like the ones that will later be used on our aircraft. Fully assembling a seat from individual parts is not part of their everyday routine – not even in cabin maintenance – which made this project a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Some even had the chance to work on the First Class seats.

“You have to place trust in young people – with focused guidance – even on projects this important,” explains Domenico Apruzzese, Practical Trainer of our Vocational Training at SWISS. The idea grew out of a desire to provide practical, real‑world experience while also allowing the spirit of the next generation to flow into a forward‑looking product.
 

Personal growth included
The project is far more than a simple assembly job. “Independence, drive, and initiative – and of course the fun of doing something new,” is how Apruzzese sums up what the apprentices take away from it. It’s about developing the ability to master complex tasks, take responsibility, and grow together as a team.

With the new cabin product, a fresh breeze is blowing through the long‑haul fleet. “Finally, something new for our SWISS cabin product,” says Apruzzese. The seats feature state‑of‑the‑art mechanics and electronics – a win for travelers, and a new challenge for maintenance.
 

Concentration and precision required
Assembling the seats demanded intense focus and precision. Step by step, the team had to follow the manual to avoid creating situations in which parts could no longer be installed later. “Many covers used to hide cables didn’t fit right away – you had to figure out workarounds,” says Leon Grüter, a polymechanic apprentice. The sheer number of individual parts also proved challenging, as fellow polymechanic apprentice Justin Gygax reports: “Sometimes it wasn’t easy to quickly find the right part. Patience and concentration were essential.”

Despite the technical hurdles, the seat design made a big impression. Justin raves about the elegant Bordeaux color scheme and the privacy in First Class, where, with the doors closed, you almost feel as if you’re in your own little room. Leon points out that the larger screens and enclosed suite layout open the door to an all‑new flying experience.
 

Comfort comes from precision
The project gave the apprentices a vivid sense of how tightly technology and passenger comfort are interwoven. “If the technology doesn’t work, the most comfortable seat is useless,” says Justin. Leon, for his part, is convinced: “It has to look good for the passenger.” Achieving the right balance among mechanics, electronics, and design requires attention to countless details – and precision at every step.
 

Safety through training
To ensure the cabin crew can respond confidently in any situation, targeted training sessions are being conducted. “Through training at the Operations Center (OPC) at Zurich Airport and with qualified specialists, we make sure that even under stress the technology doesn’t become an obstacle,” Apruzzese explains. For the apprentices, it’s a great feeling to know their work will later support cabin crew training. “It’s fantastic that I was able to contribute something to the crew’s training,” says Leon. Justin adds: “Knowing the seat will be used for training makes me proud because I’m directly contributing to training and quality assurance.” As a production mechanic apprentice, Paul Mitchell is one of those who will be working directly in cabin maintenance in the future: “For me, it was a valuable experience and a special opportunity that I can take with me in my training,” says Paul.

This project shows what hands‑on vocational education can look like – rich in initiative, team spirit, and an eye for detail. With the new SWISS Senses cabin, SWISS is not only setting new benchmarks for comfort but also investing in the skilled professionals of tomorrow.